Many people take the right step and purchase travel insurance. Then, when they file a claim, they’re surprised and frustrated that the insurance company denies their claim. Here are some reasons why travel insurance companies deny claims:

1. The traveler waits until there’s a problem to buy the insurance

Trip protection is for unexpected events. It’s not to recoup losses when a problem is already in the works. That means, if a traveler waits until there’s already a severe weather event or an airline employee strike to buy insurance, the company can deny the claim. It’s important to buy the insurance before there are any known problems.

2. The traveler doesn’t cancel their trip

If a person has to cancel the trip, they need to call the travel providers and formally cancel their travel. They can’t just fail to show up when it’s time to go. When a person takes the step to formally cancel the travel, they may be able to receive a partial refund. Making the formal cancellation can ultimately reduce losses for the insurance company. Many insurance companies require formal cancellation of the travel in order to make a claim on the policy.

3. There’s no verification from a doctor

Many trip protection policies require the traveler to see a doctor before they cancel for medical reasons. Even if the person feels ill, they need a doctor to document the illness for the insurance company before they cancel. Failing to take this important step can result in denial of the claim.

4. Alcohol played a role

While travel often includes a few indulgences, it can also lead to denial of a travel insurance claim. Most policies exclude coverage if alcohol is involved in the event you are trying to file a claim for. This can come to light in medical records, police reports or incident reports from travel providers.

5. Failing to provide receipts

It’s important for a traveler to keep receipts of their travel expenses. The insurance company expects documentation of losses. It’s not enough to type up a list and submit it. The company expects the traveler to present actual receipts from the travel provider in support of each claim.

6. The loss isn’t covered

Insurance policies are each a little bit different. It’s important for travelers to read their policies ahead of time so that they’re not surprised with what is and isn’t covered. For example, a policy might cover a death of a parent or child but not a cousin. It may cover medical emergencies but not preexisting conditions.

In many cases, a traveler can select what types of coverage they want. This may affect the price, but knowing what the policy covers means that the traveler isn’t frustrated by a denial if they have to file a claim. Taking time to purchase the right policy is a great way to prevent surprises when the unexpected happens during a trip.